Microsoft word - 260910-med adherence _bp patient handout__part a_.doc

Blood Pressure Medications and You

Antihypertensives, or “blood pressure medicines,” are some of the most commonly prescribed
drugs. Unfortunately, about one-quarter of people prescribed medicines to lower their blood
pressure stop taking them within six months. Up to one-half stop taking them within one year.
Why are blood pressure medicines so important?
Keeping your blood pressure under control can help you stay healthy. Individuals with high blood
pressure are more likely to be hospitalized, to have strokes or heart attacks, and have other health
problems than those who keep their blood pressure under good control.
Why do people stop taking their blood pressure medicines?
Like most medicines, blood pressure medicines can have side effects. Around two-thirds of
people who take blood pressure medicines will have a side effect in the very beginning. For
example, diuretics, or “water pills,” such as furosemide (Lasix) and hydrochlorothiazide
(HydroDIURIL, etc) can increase how often you need to empty your bladder. Diuretics can also
cause “orthostatic hypotension,” which you might notice as dizziness when you stand up too fast.
Beta-blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin) or metoprolol (Toprol-XL, etc) might make you feel
tired. Be sure to ask your prescriber or pharmacist what types of side effects you can expect with
your blood pressure medicines, how long they will last, and what you can do to make them more
tolerable.
Another reason people stop taking blood pressure medicines is that some drug regimens can be
complicated. For example, clonidine (Catapres) and hydralazine tablets must be taken multiple
times each day. If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, tell your prescriber or
pharmacist. He or she can help you get a medicine that fits best with your schedule, or help you
with tips on how to remember to take your medicine.
Some medicines can be quite expensive. However, there is at least one generic drug available
for every type of blood pressure medicine. If you have trouble paying for your blood pressure
medicine (or any type of medicine), let your prescriber or pharmacist know. He or she can help
you get a less expensive drug and/or recommend a patient assistance program to help you pay for
your medicine.
What can happen if I stop taking my blood pressure medicine?
Besides increasing your chance for a heart attack or stroke, there are other things that can happen if
you stop taking your blood pressure medicine. Your dose may have to be re-titrated when you start
back up, to help prevent some side effects. This means that you’ll have to start with a low dose
again, and gradually work your way back up to the dose you were taking.
If you stop taking some blood pressure medicines all at once, such as clonidine or a beta-blocker,
you can actually have withdrawal symptoms, such as very high blood pressure.
What should I do if I have a problem with my blood pressure medicines?
Don’t stop taking your blood pressure medicine without letting your prescriber know.
Communicate with your prescriber and/or pharmacist to let them know about any problems you’re
having. Then you can work together to make sure your blood pressure medication regimen is one
you can stick with.
[August 2010]
Pharmacist’s Letter / Prescriber’s Letter to give to their patients. Copyright 2010 by Therapeutic Research Center www.pharmacistsletter.com ~ www.prescribersletter.com

Source: http://healthquestmedcare.com/files/1113/5216/5928/Blood_pressure_medications_and_you.pdf